Wayne Ross Spencer

A much-loved husband, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law and friend, Wayne Ross Spencer, 79, of Durham, NC, passed away January 31, 2025. He was born April 10, 1945, in Durham, NC, where he resided most of his life until recently moving to Buffalo Junction, VA to live with his daughter. He graduated from Southern High School and received a BS in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).

Wayne’s first job after graduation was with Rockwell Engineering where he assisted with designing and manufacturing parts for the space shuttle. After leaving Rockwell he often worked with start-up companies to assist them in setting up their manufacturing floors. He eventually went to own his own consulting company, Triangle Manufacturing and eventually retired in 2008. Wayne was a fixer and there weren’t many things he could not figure out how to repair. He was also an avid animal lover like his daughter. He took on several of her animals in their senior years since she was still working, and they were all given much love in their final years. Wayne also had a cat that he adored, Annie, that his daughter found when she was a few days old. Wayne and his wife Fayedean adopted Annie. Wayne and Annie were best buddies for over 20 years. She pre-deceased him in 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Fayedean Lowe Spencer of Durham, NC; daughter Amy Jacobs and husband Everette of Stem, NC; brother-in-law James Lowe (Carol); niece Melissa Lowery (Tim); niece Deborah Hempel; niece Jamie Lowe (Chance Crowder). He was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Hobbs Guthrie; father, William Ross Spencer; stepfather, Arthur "Buddy" Guthrie; brother-in-law, Wayne Lowe; sister-in-law, Linda Lowe; and nephew, Jim Lowe.

The family will receive friends at Lowes Grove Baptist Church, 4430 South Alston Avenue, Durham, NC, on Friday, February 7 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the Cemetery. Officiating will be Dr. Jim Baggett.

After the service, family and friends are invited to the Fellowship Hall for light refreshments and a time to visit.

In honor of Wayne’s love for animals, memorial donations may be made to Furever Friends of Ashville, PO Box 1479, Enka, NC 28728 or at www.fureverfriendsavl.org . Donations can also be made to Beagles and Bentleys at www.beaglesandbentleys.org/donate